Every time the alarm receiver sounds, the firefighters have to move quickly. Whether they will be putting their lives in danger during the operation is something they don't know at the time. "Being a firefighter is a dangerous job," says Patrick Wiench of the Bruchsal Volunteer Fire Department.

For some time now, he and the other firefighters have been supported by a new colleague who moves like a bulldozer instead of on two legs. The fire-fighting support vehicle (LUF) looks like a cross between a snow cannon, a tank and a tractor.